Lost Plantations of the South

By: Marc R. Matrana

Narrated by: John Burlinson

The great majority of the South's plantation homes have been destroyed over time, and many have long been forgotten. In Lost Plantations of the South, Marc R. Matrana weaves together diaries and letters and other rare documents to tell the story of 60 of these vanquished estates and the people who once called them home.

From plantations that were destroyed by natural disaster, such as Alabama’s Forks of Cypress, to those that were intentionally demolished, such as Seven Oaks in Louisiana and Mount Brilliant in Kentucky, Matrana resurrects these lost mansions. Including plantations throughout the South as well as border states, Matrana carefully tracks the histories of each from the earliest days of construction to the often contentious struggles to preserve these irreplaceable historic treasures.

Lost Plantations of the South explores the root causes of demise and provides understanding and insight on how lessons learned in these sad losses can help prevent future preservation crises. Capturing the voices of masters and mistresses alongside those of slaves, this book explores the powerful and complex histories of these cardinal homes across the South.

The book is published by University Press of Mississippi.

©2009 University Press of Mississippi (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Perfect performance

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Truthful, factual and honest.
The narrator takes you on a journey into the past--good and bad. His voice is perfect and makes what could easily be a dull and monotonous take on historical landmarks, a look into the lives and inner workings of farm life of over a century ago.
These tales have a place in my heart.

A travel thru southern history

Loved it. This book really helps you understand the south through their plantations. What they became and what they are now. The narrator was superb. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Absolutely wonderful and educational

I found this to be very educational as far as learning about these great plantations. I felt as though I was taken on a tour and shown everything about how they were built, managed, how ownership was transferred and even how they were eventually destroyed. Listening to John Burlinson narrate this book made me feel like I was given a personal guided tour. He did such a great job with the narration that I didn't get bored (some of these types of books can begin to drone on after a while). I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they may find it interesting. The only thing that would make it better would be if I could also look at pictures while listening! I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Slave Deeds on the Christmas Tree

If you are interested in the architecture, agriculture, & the people groups populating the South, you will find a treasure trove of history in this straightforward work by Marc Matrana.

The American Southern style of neoclassical architecture is easily recognizable, & displays an effort on the part of plantation owners to transplant old world culture & history here in the colonies.

Matrana covers both sides of the dichotomy of the owner who "nurtured his family & enslaved people," with vivid descriptions. I requested & received a free review copy of the Audible version. I highly recommend the book for those interested in history.

Exemplary

I just love old homes and architecture of the early homes and plantations. This book is beyond excellent. So much depth to each homes story. I have been looking up each one to see pictures. I’m listening to it a little at a time because I find myself playing it back to rehear some of the details again. I wish I had a better memory I love sharing bits and pieces of this book with others. What s gem! I received this book at no charge for an honest review. I’m so glad I took a chance on it. Continuing to Relisten to it hoping to gain even more gems to share. :)